Honoring Black History Month
Part 2: Interview with Morgan Bradford, Centenary senior and President of Centenary’s Black Student Union
In continuing to celebrate and honor Black History Month, I was able to talk to Morgan Bradford. Besides being a senior here at Centenary, Morgan is also President of the Black Student Union organization on campus. She has done a fantastic job throughout her presidency so far, and I am very glad I was able to interview her during this month.
Image From Centenary BSU Instagram Page
To start off, can you introduce yourself to those that may not know you? (name, hometown, major, campus involvements, plans after graduation, and anything else you would like to include)
Morgan Bradford, Biology and Neuroscience double major, Leading Ladies competitive dance team, and BSU president, I plan on getting my masters and going on to medical school afterward.
For those who may not really understand, how significant is Black History Month, especially to the people our age (mid-early 20s)?
Black History Month serves as both a reminder and a celebration of our culture; this is a time to reflect on our progress, struggles, and aspirations and allow them to guide our future paths. It is also essential for us to acknowledge key figures who paved the way for people our age to follow their dreams despite the history of racism and oppression they faced.
Who/What has been your biggest source of inspiration?
Black women only account for around 3% of physicians in this country. Representation is vital in the healthcare field when many patients report higher levels of trust and satisfaction when their physicians are the same race as them. My biggest source of inspiration is knowing that one day as a physician I will make the experience of going to the doctor more comfortable for Black women.
Do you feel as though Centenary does its job with representing and supporting Black History Month and the Black students on campus?
In my opinion, Centenary has done its job during my term as president by supporting Black History Month and the Black students on campus. The diversity committee this year has done nothing but support our EC. In fact, Dr. Schoen, a member of the diversity committee, has donated supplies for this year’s events from her own paycheck. However, there is always room for improvement.
As President of the Black Student Union, what are some events you have planned to share with the student body? What are some of your personal favorites?
We have several events planned for this month. One of my favorites is an event that will be happening on February 2nd on the caf deck called Speak Your Truth. Considering the murder of recent police brutality victim Tyre Nichols, we will be hosting an event where students, faculty, and staff will be able to write supportive letters to the families of victims of police brutality. These letters will be laminated and hung from the tree on the caf deck. At the end of the month of February, we will send the letters out to the prospective families.
February 2nd Caf Deck: Speak your truth
February 8th @ 7 pm in the Whited room is Trivia Night (Black history, pop culture, etc.)
February 10th @ 7 pm in the Whited Room is a playing of the movie Friday
February 15th @ 7 pm in Meadows Museum: Night at the Museum Writing Workshop
February 27th @ 6:30 pm in Kilpatrick: Apollo Fest
How can young adults/students get involved with and support BHM? How can non-Black students, who may feel that they are not able to participate, do so?
Although Black History Month is meant to honor African American people across the country, it does not mean that if you are not Black, you cannot participate. I think that February is the perfect time for non-black people to educate themselves and listen to the struggles of Black people so they have a better understanding of what we go through. I also think supporting Black-owned businesses is another excellent way to support them.
Throughout your term as President, what has been your greatest achievement? What do you hope to have accomplished both for the organization and for yourself by the time you graduate?
BSU is unique because I do not do anything by myself; we collectively make decisions as an EC. I think one of my favorite events that the EC has put on was the Back-to-School Voting Bash at the beginning of the year. Because of that event, we were able to get over 100 people registered to vote. By the time that I graduate, I hope BSU has a presence on this campus and continues to put on events.
Besides knowing Morgan as a fellow student and head of BSU, I have the privilege of knowing her on a more personal scale. Morgan is a great example of a strong leader that wants to help make things better, not just for the current people but also for those to come. She is unafraid to speak her mind while still being respectful and professional. Morgan has been a wonderful president, and I am so excited to see what she does throughout the remainder of the Spring 2023 semester.